DAIOS COVE is an iconic
DAIOS COVE is one of the largest resorts on the island of Crete (total area of 35 hectares), located in a private bay on the north-eastern coast of the island, close to the prestigious Mediterranean neighbourhood of Elounda and a short drive from the romantic Greek town of Agios Nikolaos.
The ideal location of DAIOS COVE is its main feature, nestled behind picturesque hills in a private cove with a white sandy beach.
DAIOS COVE is one of the remaining unique natural reserves, so the founders of the resort have endeavoured to preserve the pristine nature without disturbing its harmony.
Thanks to the care and concern for environmental protection, which was taken into account during the construction of the hotel, guests of DAIOS COVE can enjoy the magnificent ever-blooming gardens, verdant slopes and the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Another strength of DAIOS COVE is the perfect blend of luxury and impeccable service to make guests feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The entire hotel staff has always been and remains a vital link in the customer experience.
Here, the main trait, deeply rooted in Greek tradition and life, is to be the hosts of their guests, fulfilling a sincere mission to make all guests feel safe, welcome and satisfied.
THE COLLECTION: BRAND-NEW ROOMS
DAIOS COVE is the ideal holiday destination for adults and children, offering guests superb rooms, suites and villas, many with their own private seawater pool.
And for the new 2024 season, the iconic premium holiday experience with the ultimate in comfort has unveiled The Collection at the Cove — completely refreshed suites that create a unique setting for the finest holidays in the Mediterranean.
The key elements are characterised by upscale design and ethereal aesthetics that create a sense of lightness and infuse every moment with soulful relaxation.
The rooms offer magnificent views, outdoor terraces and lounge areas, and some rooms have their own private pool.
All rooms have the latest amenities for a comfortable stay — air conditioning, Wi-Fi, complimentary mini-bar, Smart TV / Bluetooth Speaker, coffee and tea making facilities and eco-friendly drinking water from specially installed in the wall tap water systems.
The bathrooms are equipped with Premium organic bath and shower parfumerie and all necessary bath amenities.
UPSCALE GASTRONOMY
DAIOS COVE offers all kinds of gastronomic delights in six restaurants and bars, each with its own character and style.
For guests of suites and villas who choose freedom, DAIOS COVE invites them to discover The Residents’ Club, a gastronomic all-inclusive privileged service that includes a range of exclusive benefits during their stay.
Guests can enjoy the full variety of complimentary meals at all outstanding dining establishments, epicurean cocktails and drinks, 24-hour room service, complimentary mini-bar as well as specialty cocktails, and unlimited ice cream and healthy drinks for children,
On top of this, a dedicated concierge will ensure that your every wish is catered for throughout your stay.
Breakfast
We started our first day with breakfast at the Ocean Restaurant, where Mediterranean and Cretan authenticity in style and design combine in a fresh oasis of vibrant colour, life and warmth.
Breathtaking views of the bay immerse you in communion with nature, while the courtyard and terrace make you feel as if you are suspended in the air.
Breakfast is served entirely À la Carte. A wide range of cold meat and fish specialities, fresh salads, fruit and vegetables, Greek specialities, baked goods, Cretan honey, jams and oils brought to your table by a member of the Ocean team.
As well as Greek coffee, freshly made smoothies and juices.
To diversify our culinary experience, we decided to try breakfast also at another equally interesting place — the newly renovated Taverna Restaurant, which serves breakfast À la Carte for adults (children over 14 have access) and is available to guests of suites and villas.
The restaurant overlooks the bay in all its mesmerising splendour and has a typically Cretan, relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
The menu offers an abundance of Cretan-inspired plates, made with the best of local ingredients.
First things served to your table is “Cretan garden” — a set of Bakery Basket, Tomatoes, local Cucumber and selection of Cretan olives. Also we tried such interesting and delicious dishes as Eggs with spinach and feta, Eggs with avocado and cheese, Spinach pie, Dakos.
For sweet part we chose Gastrin Cretan baklava, Xerotigana with honey roasted walnuts and Cretan goat’s yoghurt with quince.
Lunch at the Beach
For lunch we headed to The Beach House Bar, located in the coastal part of the resort and evoking bohemian modesty in a tranquil space by the sea.
Here you are immersed in a quintessentially Cretan lifestyle and simplicity that excites the senses and nourishes the soul, while the cuisine reflects a respect for seasonality, where locally grown and sourced ingredients are combined with Mediterranean culture.
Art of Mixology
During the day you can stop by the guest favourite Crystal Box Bar, which features outstanding architecture and design that is inspired by the natural surroundings and offers uninterrupted views of the blue Aegean Sea.
The bar features classic cocktails as well as signature cocktails from award-winning mixologists The Clumsies (Athens), and famous Greek coffee.
Enjoying an afternoon or evening before dinner at the poolside Ocean Bar, where the bar, lounge and seating areas blend seamlessly together to create a carefree atmosphere of holiday.
The cocktail list and refreshing drinks here are also created by The Clumsies‘ mixologists (with the team developing cocktails and drinks for all of the resort’s restaurants).
Every drink could be accompanied by mouth-watering Ducasse Conseil light snacks.
And for those with a sweet tooth, Alain Ducasse’s delicious gelato is available from the trolley throughout the day.
Gourmet Dinner
After the cocktail tasting, we were treated to a gourmet dinner at Ocean Restaurant, where the talented chefs and the exceptional team at Ducasse Conseil, skilfully drawing on elements of the past and present, showcase the colourful mix of cultural influences in Crete over the centuries, while displaying an artistic flair and passion for seasonal, organic ingredients, ensuring a depth of flavour that is conveyed in every dish.
Citations of the menu:
– Amberjack carpaccio, citrus and samphire marmalade, caviar
– Black lime and ginger marinated beef, artichoke purée, kadaif
– Black tempura cauliflower, grilled feta cheese, tarator sauce
– Mafalde with Zucchini and Rabbit
– Seared grouper, potato espuma, grilled broccoli shoot, seaweed butter sauce
The Master Wine list includes hand-picked local and international wines including Champagne, available on a complimentary basis for Resident Club members, and a Premium Wine List is available for an extra charge.
For the dessert we tried Frozen nougat, citrus and dried fruits and a selection of La Glace by Alain Ducasse ice cream.
We spent another evening at the RHO restaurant, which elegant design reflects the simplicity of the bay’s natural surroundings.
At the heart of the concept is a modern interpretation of succulent raw dishes with an emphasis on provenance. This concept will be specially appreciated by healthy-eating adherents.
Carefully selected ingredients and delicate flavours have their own story to tell, which is reflected in the innovative presentation of each dish of fish, meat and vegetables that immerse you in a feast for the senses.
WELLNESS and KĒPOS by GOCO
DAIOS COVE offers guests an endless array of top-notch sporting activities — water skiing, canoeing, snorkelling, tennis, fitness, yoga, Pilates, strength training, all in the state-of-the-art BXR gym or Mind and Body studio overlooking the bay.
And of course, the famous Kēpos by Goco spa centre, without which a stay at the resort would be incomplete.
From ancient Greek, Kēpos means “garden, oasis, refuge” — and indeed Kēpos by Goco is inspired by the garden created in Ancient Athens by the Greek philosopher Epicurus as a safe place where he read and taught the principles of well-being and happiness.
Here you will be offered an unrivalled sensory experience combining a holistic approach to health and innovative technology. To experience complete relaxation and purification, the thermal bath complex with Finnish sauna and steam bath and the spacious Vitality Pool with full-body massage are worth a visit.
We tested advanced recovery procedures such as cryotherapy, infrared sauna, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Cryo Energizing body treatment as well Metabolic Blueprint optimization.
The medical spa menu also offers vitamin infusions and many other modern procedures and diagnostics have been developed to boost immunity, improve blood circulation, boost metabolism and muscle recovery.
Classic and alternative therapies for face, body and massage are presented by world-class luxury wellness brands 111SKIN and [ comfort zone ], which are high quality natural products that use pure formulas and high-tech ingredients free of animal derivatives, parabens, mineral oils and silicones that are truly gentle on both skin and nature.
Daios Cove
Address: Vathi, 72100, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Greece
Instagram: @daios_cove
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
